Passing the AACE International (AACEI) Certified Cost Professional (CCP) exam is a big moment. Candidates then ask what they actually receive. They also want to know what to do next. This guide explains the digital badge, the certificate question and your next steps. It also says clearly where AACEI gives no detail.

After the CCP exam at a glance

What do you get after you pass?

You get a digital badge, a certification that runs for a set term and a way for others to verify your status. AACEI also gives you the right to say that you hold the credential. The sections below explain each item.

The digital badge

AACEI provides a BadgeCert digital badge to active certificate holders at no charge. You get one badge for each certification that you earn. However, you must opt in first.

The public Certified Directory

AACEI runs a public Certified Directory. Stakeholders use it to confirm the current certification status of credential holders. AACEI says that it may not reflect updates in real time.

The certificate

The AACEI pages that we checked do not say when or how a certificate is issued. They also do not state a certificate fee. Therefore, ask AACEI at certification@aacei.org if you need a date.

How do you claim the digital badge?

First, opt in through the online form that AACEI links from its BadgeCert page. After you receive the badge, follow the BadgeCert sharing guides. They give step-by-step instructions.

Where can you share it?

AACEI says you can embed the badge in email signatures, web pages, LinkedIn and other social media profiles. For example, many professionals add it to their email signature. This is our suggestion, not an AACEI rule.

Does the badge expire?

The AACEI page that we checked does not say. It limits the badge to active certificate holders. Therefore, keep your certification active.

The badge goes to active certificate holders only.

How long does your certification last?

Your certification runs for a 3-year term. AACEI’s recertification page says that recertification maintains it for an additional 3-year term. Your recertification period begins on the day you become certified.

How do you recertify?

AACEI offers 2 options. You can accumulate 12 continuing education units (CEUs) from four categories during the 3-year period. Alternatively, you can take and pass the exam again before your current expiration date.

Where can you learn more?

Our guide to CCP recertification CEUs explains the units in detail. Also, our guide on how often you need to renew covers the cycle.

How do you plan your recertification?

Enter your certification date and the CEUs you have earned. Then the planner shows when a 3-year term ends and how many CEUs you still need.

What should you do next?

Start with the small steps that protect your certification. These are our suggestions, not AACEI rules.

Claim the badge and note your dates

Opt in to the badge, then save your certification date. Your 3-year term starts from it, so write down the end of the term too.

Start recording CEUs

Keep a simple record from day one. Then recertifying by CEUs is much easier. Include the category for each unit, because AACEI counts CEUs across four categories.

What if you have not passed yet?

Results are not immediate. Our guide on when you get CCP exam results explains the wait. Meanwhile, use our CCP mock exam guide to keep practising.

FAQ: after you pass the CCP exam

About the badge and certificate

About the term and recertification

Where does 3FOLD Training fit?

3FOLD Training is an AACEI Approved Education Provider, licensed by KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) in Dubai. Our CCP exam preparation program is self-paced on the 3FOLD Learn LMS (learning management system). It includes 40 on-demand video lessons, a complete CCP study guide, 3 full-length mock exams, a memo writing guide, a formula sheet and glossary, and support with your AACEI application. 3FOLD Training was established in 2008. 3FOLD Training has prepared 30,000+ learners. LMS access terms and the current course fee are on the course page.